List of New York State Historic Markers in Niagara County, New York facts for kids

New York State has many special signs called Historic Markers. These markers help us remember important places, events, and people from the past. They are like outdoor history lessons! This article tells you about some of these cool markers found in Niagara County, New York. They share stories about battles, famous leaders, and how towns grew.

Historic Markers in Lewiston

Lewiston is a town with a lot of history, especially from the early days of New York.

Five Mile Meadows: War of 1812 Stories

There are two markers for "Five Mile Meadows" near Lewiston. They tell us about events during the War of 1812.

• In 1813, British soldiers landed near here. They marched to burn a village called Manchester, which is now part of Niagara Falls.
• Later that year, on December 19, 1813, British troops landed again. They were led by Colonel Murray. They marched north and captured Fort Niagara. The British held the fort until May 22, 1815.

Early French and British Sites

Lewiston was an important spot for early settlers and traders.

• Fort Joncaire: Near the toll bridge over the Niagara River, you can find a marker for Fort Joncaire. This was the second building ever built in Lewiston, back in 1719. It was a trading post surrounded by a fence of tall wooden stakes. It was the first French fort on the Niagara River.
• Old Tramway: At the end of the toll bridge, there's a marker for the "Old Tramway." The British built this in 1763. It helped people move goods from the river up to the higher ground. This made it easier to carry things around the falls.

Historic Markers in Lockport

Lockport is another city in Niagara County with interesting markers.

Early Churches and Important People

• First Methodist Church: At the corner of Church and Niagara Streets, a marker tells about the First Methodist Episcopal Society. This group started in October 1823. Their first church was built in 1833. It burned down in 1854 but was rebuilt in 1859.
• Washington Hunt: There are two markers about Washington Hunt. He was a very important person in New York.
  • One marker on Market Street shows where his home was. Washington Hunt was the first judge of Niagara County in 1836. He also served as the State Comptroller (who manages state money), a Congressman (in the U.S. government), and even the Governor of New York! President Van Buren was once a guest at his home.
  • Another marker on Market Street points to his law office. He worked there from 1834 to 1860. The office burned down in 1835 but was rebuilt.

Unique Structures and Schools

• The Big Bridge: On Main Street, at the Barge Canal Bridge, you'll find a marker for "The Big Bridge." This bridge was built in 1914 by New York State. It spans the Erie Barge Canal. It was one of the widest bridges in the world at the time, measuring almost 400 feet wide!
• Union School: On Chestnut Street, a marker tells about the "Union School." This was the first Union School in New York State! It was created by a special law on March 31, 1847. The school was built in 1847-1848 and opened on July 4, 1848. It was founded by a man named Hon. Sullivan Caverno.

Cold Springs Cemetery

• Cold Springs: Near the eastern edge of Lockport, a marker for "Cold Springs" tells a sad story. In 1812, during the War of 1812, the water in the cemetery was poisoned by Native Americans. This caused the death of British and French soldiers. They were among the first people buried there.

Historic Markers in Niagara Falls

The city of Niagara Falls also has markers that tell about its past.

French and British History

• French Landing: On Buffalo Avenue at 10th Street, a marker shows where the "French Landing" was. Two hundred years ago, this park was the end point of the "Old French Portage." This is where goods were moved from one canoe to another when traveling around the falls.
• French Portage: On Pine Street, between Portage Road and 11th Street, a marker points to the "French Portage." This was a very old highway for fur trade. Thousands of feet in moccasins wore down this path even before the Pilgrims landed in America!
• Navy Island: On Buffalo Avenue, between 53rd and 54th Streets, a marker tells about "Navy Island." This island is across the river. It was once a French shipyard. After the British captured it, they built ships there to use on Lake Erie.
• Old Blockhouse: On Portage Road, between Ferry and Byrd Avenues, a marker shows where an "Old Blockhouse" stood. Blockhouses were strong, small forts. This one was part of a line of blockhouses built in 1764 by Montresor. They protected the army from attacks by Native Americans.
• Portage Road: At the intersection of Buffalo Avenue and Portage Road, a marker explains "Portage Road." This was originally a Native American trail used long before white settlers arrived. It became a highway for French fur trade and later a military road for the British.
• Site of Fort Du Portage: Also at the intersection of Buffalo Avenue and Portage Road, a marker tells about "Fort Du Portage," also known as "Fort Little Niagara." This fort was built in 1751 to protect French trade. It was burned in 1759 during the French and Indian War.

First House in Niagara Falls

• Site of First House: On Buffalo Avenue, between 1st and 3rd Streets, a marker shows the "Site of the First House." This house was built by Judge Porter in 1808. Many important visitors and friendly Native Americans were welcomed inside its walls.

Historic Markers in Porter

The Town of Porter also has markers related to battles and forts.

War of 1812 and French and Indian War

• British Forces Landing: Near the bridge over Four Mile Creek, a marker tells about "British Forces" landing there on July 6, 1759. These forces, led by Brig. Gen. John Prideaux and Sir William Johnson, then surrounded Fort Niagara.
• Fox Point Battery: On Main Street in Youngstown, a marker points to the "Fox Point Battery." This was one of five batteries (places with cannons) that protected the area from Fort Niagara during the War of 1812.
• Salt Battery: Also on Main Street in Youngstown, a marker shows the "Site of Salt Battery." This battery was very important in protecting the Niagara Frontier during the War of 1812.
• Battle of La Belle Famille: On Main Street in Youngstown, a marker with an arrow points to the "Site of Battle La Belle Famille." This battle took place on July 24, 1759. It was a key battle that led to the British capturing the French Fort Niagara.

Historic Markers in Royalton

The Town of Royalton has markers about early religious groups.

First Christian Society

• First Christian Society of Royalton: On Orangeport Road, a marker tells about the "First Christian Society of Royalton." Their first pastor was Rev. Oliver Castle. Their church was built in 1818, burned down in 1845, rebuilt the same year, and then moved in 1885.
• First Church on Holland Land Purchase: At the intersection of Orangeport Road and Slayton Settlement Road, another marker with an arrow points to the "Site of First Christian Society of Royalton." This was the first church built on the Holland Land Purchase, an important land area between the Genesee and Niagara Rivers. It was built in 1818.

See also

• List of New York State Historic Markers
• National Register of Historic Places listings in New York
• List of National Historic Landmarks in New York